A former long-time area New Democrat MPP and devoted workplace health and safety advocate passed away Aug. 14 at the age of 90.
Elie Martel’s obituary said he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Gaye, four children, including his daughter Shelley, who succeeded him as an area NDP MPP, eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
“Elie was wholly devoted to his wife of 65 years,” said the obituary.
“They celebrated their final anniversary, surrounded by family, on the day he died. He loved sports - especially the Maple Leafs and the Blue Jays – despite both breaking his heart on an annual basis.
"He loved his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was ever-present at their school events, sporting tournaments, birthdays, and other milestones; he was so proud of each one. Elie was happiest when travelling, golfing, playing cards or just sharing stories and time with family and friends. He will be greatly missed.”
A visitation for Martel will be held at the Lougheed Funeral Home in Hanmer from 1-4 and 6-8 p.m. Aug. 17. A funeral mass will be held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church at a later date.
Born Nov. 26, 1934 in Capreol, Martel represented the former Sudbury East riding for 20 years.
“Elie was a committed New Democrat all of his life, never wavering from his political beliefs,” said his obituary.
“He was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1967 as the NDP MPP for Sudbury-East, a position he held for 20 years. He served as House Leader for the NDP from 1978-1985.”
The obituary said Martel’s early work included employment with the CNR, Inco, and as a teacher and principal at St. Mary’s Separate School in Capreol. While teaching, he attained his BA in History from Laurentian University.
He doggedly fought for improved workplace health and safety and player safety in youth hockey, said the obituary.
After leaving the legislature, Martel remained politically active, especially during election campaigns.
He was appointed to the Environmental Assessment Board, remaining in that position from 1988-1997. He also served on UFCW’s Labour Sponsored Venture Capital Corporation for many years.
The area’s current MPPs, France Gélinas (Nickel Belt) and Jamie West (Sudbury), are among those who have paid tribute to Martel.
Gélinas, herself a long-time area New Democrat MPP who considered Martel a mentor, said she was saddened to share the news of his passing.
“The residents will remember Elie as a good listener, a hard worker who was always willing to help,” she said.
“I will remember Elie as a mentor, who knew everything and everyone. It didn’t matter where we went in the riding, he knew the people, their history, their struggles and their successes. “Whenever I faced a hurdle, Elie was always there to help me. I know how fortunate I was to have Elie guiding me, I will miss him.”
West, who also represents the New Democrats, shared his thoughts on Martel in a written statement.
“When you think about great Canadians, think about Elie Martel, an Ontario NDP MPP who recently passed away,” he said, going on to share a story about Martel.
West said that in 1974, Elliot Lake United Steelworkers held a wildcat strike when they learned that their employer and the government of the day knew that their cancers were workplace related.
Martel worked with USW, and fought in the legislature for the workers.
“He pushed and pushed,” West said. “And together, they forced the government to form the Ham Commission - which became the basis of the Occupational Health & Safety Act in Ontario.”
West said that because of Martel and the Steelworkers, Ontario workers have rights including knowing about workplace hazards, participating in the safety of the workplace and refusing unsafe work.
“Elie served for 20 years, but he *never* stopped fighting for workers,” West added. “Thirty-one years after he served, I was elected. Within that first month, Elie was at my door asking to work with me to help another worker (and we succeeded!)
“I was honoured to call him my friend. All of Ontario was blessed that Elie Martel chose to elevate and amplify the voices of Ontario’s workers. We love you brother!”
Sudbury Liberal MP Viviane Lapointe also issued a statement on Martel’s passing.
“Saddened to hear of the passing of former Sudbury East MPP Elie Martel,” she said. “Mr. Martel had a lasting impact on his community, and I commend his fierce dedication to both his riding, and broader community. I send my sincere condolences to his family, friends and former colleagues.”
Following this article's initial publication, Mayor Paul Lefebvre issued the following written statement:
“I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Sudbury East MPP Elie Martel.
"Elie served our community for two decades at Queen’s Park, earning the respect of colleagues across party lines for his dedication and his commitment to the people of Greater Sudbury and Northern Ontario. He was known for his strong voice, his advocacy for workers, and his deep pride in his hometown of Capreol.
On behalf of city council, I extend my condolences to his wife Gaye, his daughter Shelley, and all of his family and friends."